Somalia: Pirates fight each other over ransom payment

GALKAYO, Somalia Sept 25, 2014 (Garowe Online)-At least five people were reported killed after deadly shoot out raged between two groups of pirates in southern part of Galkayo in central Somalia on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Shortly after the release of German-American journalist Michael Scott Moore who was held captive near the coastal town of Harar DHeere, pirates are said to have quarreled over $1.6 million paid as ransom by negotiators.

“Three pirates and two civilian bystanders died in the confrontation in Galkayo’s Barahley neighborhood,” an eye witness who asked to remain anonymous told GO. Besides, local reports confirm the death of Ali Dhuule, a pirate linchpin during the brief gun battle.

Meanwhile, Puntland beefed soldiers presence along its border with Galmudug in Galkayo according to security officials.

Galmudug-based pirate gangs freed Moore on alleged ransom last Wednesday and he was right away flown to Kenyan capital of Nairobi for medical treatment.

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The independent news Web site GaroweOnline.com is the online sister publication of Radio Garowe, a community radio station based in Garowe, the State capital of Puntland, a self-governing region in northern Somalia